5 | John Stones - 2024/25

[Txiki Txiki Bang Bang]

When fit he is one of the very best in the world. However, I don’t know of any player who shows he is not 100% as obviously as Stones does. When he’s trying to get back to fitness he moves like a 16 year old, arthritic Labrador.

It's not down to fitness, he's lacking confidence at the moment, you can see it in his eyes and his awkward decision making.

 

[Ahmad]

I always feel like Stones does better while playing next to Ruben. I just think that Ruben's communication on the pitch is next level and I feel like Stones needs that. I could be wrong but how do you all feel about this?

 

[Macca77macca]

I always feel like Stones does better while playing next to Ruben. I just think that Ruben's communication on the pitch is next level and I feel like Stones needs that. I could be wrong but how do you all feel about this?

He does not need to specifically play with Ruben Dias. He plays with whoever he has to play with. He is one of the few players who can actually do that.

He had a very tough summer, I don’t think the EUROs were great.

He is someone who needs games. Not pissing about on and off the bench.

 

[Eccles Blue]

I won’t hear a bad word said about Jonny Boulders.

Hope he’s here for life

Now here’s a fan with sense!! ;-)

 

[MCFCFanTX]

Bonehead mistake for the goal. He was solid for the most part afterwards.

 

[thelostoasismember]

Stones as defensive leader when you have Dias on the bench is asking for the trouble. City looked dreadful in the first half, mainly because of bizarre defensive line.

 

[Tricky_Trev]

He does not need to specifically play with Ruben Dias. He plays with whoever he has to play with. He is one of the few players who can actually do that.

He had a very tough summer, I don’t think the EUROs were great.

He is someone who needs games. Not pissing about on and off the bench.

His problem right now is that Gvardiol, Dias, Akanji, Ake are all better than him, and Lewis is in the best form of his young career. It’s currently hard to justify giving Stones an extended run in the team. Even with Ake injured, the best back 4 is clearly Gvardiol, Dias, Akanji, Lewis. So not sure how much of an opportunity he’s going to get to play 4, 5, 6 games in a row.

 

[mexico1970]

Stones looked shattered and by shattered I mean old and weary on 80 minutes.

 

[Keeper!]

Shocking first half, all over the place but started looking far better as the game went on.

 

[richards30]

Can’t help but think he’s in jeopardy now with Pep. Akanji and Ruben are the number ones now and Gvardiol would be higher up the food chain as well. Can see Stones being replaced next summer to be honest.